Last week I spent some time in Seattle–otherwise known as The Emerald City. I kept a record of all the interesting things I did. Here are the highlights–Part I:
Supreme Shopping: Pike Place Market
Seattleites and wandering tourists alike all have some range of familiarity with the Market.
Even withstanding the floods of people who often occupy the area, the Market should be on the top of your list of places to see.
The Market has everything you could possibly desire–ranging from fresh produce and flying fish to special teas and handmade crafts.
Supreme Yum: Piroshky, Piroshky
The mister and I about to dig in.
Mmm, there is nothing like the smell of fresh piroshky. Mind you, this delectable smell will invade your senses almost instantaneously upon entering the Market.
Generally, the ever-so-popular apple-cinnamon piroshky will be much to blame for said intoxication. And, when you bite into the decadent croissant-like food, you will find every calorie consumed well worth it.
Since I abstain from eating mammals, I chose the cheese and potato piroshky. But, whether you are in a savory or sweet mood, they have it all. For the win, folks.
Supreme Nerdom: Golden Age Collectibles
If you are like me, comic books, graphic novels, and relevant memorabilia can certainly make your day.
Growing up reading comic books and reenacting particular characters (i.e. Chun-Li), this place hit a sweet spot in the memory bank of my hippocampus.
While Golden Age has quite the variety of books, they also have many collectible items, gag candy, pins, postcards, and posters.
Supreme Cuteness: Rachel the Pig
Rachel the Pig is a staple of the Market. In fact, like the illustrious Space Needle, she is a historical landmark worth admiring — or riding.
Rachel has been firmly planted at the corner of Pike Place underneath the Public Market sign since 1986 (the year of my entrance into this world), weighing in at a mere 550 pounds.
Holy pig.
Be sure to give her a big wet kiss on your way back home. It’s good luck.
Supreme Gross: The Gum Wall
It is detestable when you manage to step in a piece of gum. No matter how ardent your attempts are to eradicate said gum, it becomes glued to the sole of your shoe FOR-EVER.
Now, just imagine that piece of gum on a gigantic wall–it may seem like a beautiful colored blob of goo, but look closer and there are at least a million or more pieces. That is a lot of gunk chewed by people from all around the globe. How universally gross.
Here’s to hoping I don’t contract gingivitis.
Supreme Landmark: The Space Needle
The Space Needle was first opened to the public in 1962. Subsequently, the Needle has undergone additional installments and renovations.
Today, the Needle stands at 605 feet, complete with its very own restaurant and observation tower. To add to its beauty is brawn–the Needle can withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour, lightning storms, and earthquakes of 9.1 in magnitude.
Not too shabby, Seattle.
Supreme History: Underground Seattle
During my visit in Seattle, my friends and I opted for a tour of the Underground. For any of you who do not know–historical Seattle is actually about 10 feet below the now infant Seattle.
What we see today was actually constructed after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. Following the fire, nearly 25 city blocks were destroyed, inevitably forcing the city to rebuild. The city managed to build over the ruins by only a matter of feet — 8-10 feet approximately. As a result, the Underground now serves as a means to revisit the past, as well as a great source of tourism.
Since there was a cheekiness in the air that particular night, we decided to do the Adult Underground Tour. There was much talk of sexy pastimes occurring in old Seattle; cursing–both from our tour guide and out of our dirty little mouths; and plenty of dimly lit passageways that will haunt me in the days to come.
I could not have been a happier clam — our tour guide was a wonderfully bubbly woman who even in her early forties, had the vivacity of a 22-year-old. She was nuts, but I enjoyed every minute of it.
Be sure to check back for Part II tomorrow.
All text and photography copyright © Kacy Muir
Great coverage of Seattle, Kacy. Looking forward to Part II. I never saw the wall of gum, damn! I’m heading to Seattle in December so I’ll be sure to chew some bubble gum and add to it.
“She was nuts, but I enjoyed every minute of it.” – I love that.
Thanks, Will. Now you can be prepared for all that gum. I still missed a few things but I’ll be back.
I can’t wait to see your photos.
Love it! We are heading down to Seattle next Thursday – can’t wait, it’s one of my favourite cities to visit.
Lovely post and fab snaps!
Thank you, lady. I look forward to your adventure post, too! It was my first time, but it won’t be my last.
what a nice trip – love the photos too
David in Maine USA
Thank you, David. I still have to make my way out to your area. One beautiful place yet unexplored by my eyes.
i’ll look forward to see part II… you eyes have seen pretty things! and your mind interprets what your eyes have seen well!
Very nice post today thanks. I really enjoyed reading it very much. Have a great day.
Enjoy writing? Join Us Today!
Writers Wanted
Looks like a great trip – and the photos are fantastic! I’ve seen shows on Underground and part of me would love to see it, but the chicken with the Lion King nightlight says never!
Thanks, Nikki, it was. You could easily do it — just have a shot of whiskey courage. It was quite wonderful. I get spooked easily — but I enjoy that. It’s riveting — I have a feeling you would end up loving it.
What a great write-up of the city! Seattle is truly one of the greatest city in the U.S. in my humble opinion. I’ve never made it to the gum wall though. I guess that’s on my to-do list when I visit next time:)
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I loved Seattle, too. I hope you do make your way to the gum wall soon. I’ve been all over the US, but I think New Orleans is that city for me–the one that keeps haunting me to revisit time after time.